Skyline in Warsaw, Poland
Based on the original post: Discover Poland: the best of the country and the cities
This year, Holocaust Remembrance Day is April 28th. The date varies from year to year since it corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. It is a time to reflect upon the lives of people who were lost and the legacies they left behind.
But it is also a time to consider how far Poland has come since then. Perhaps because of the somber associations many people make between the Holocaust and Poland, the midsize country in Eastern Europe is often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, Poles haven’t let their bleak history define their place in the modern world. In fact, Kamil Tchorek from The Guardian encourages travelers to reconsider what they think they know about Poland and touts it as one of the world’s must-see locales:
“Long scorching summers; endless nearly-white sand beaches; wild mountains and vast forests; national parks that are home to lynx, wolves and golden eagles; homely accommodation and affordable transport; history to entertain the geekiest of geeks; couture boutiques and sports car outlets; posh cafes and fancy restaurants, a lively music scene and hedonistic inner-city nightlife; cold local beers and hot locals. This is the Poland you never hear about.“
Tchorek’s description certainly makes the country seem more appealing than what usually comes to mind when outsiders think of Poland. To read more of Tchorek’s praise for Poland and a list of places to see while you’re there, view the full article here.
Tourists enter Auschwitz-Birkenau through what prisoners called the “Gate of Death.” Photo credit: “The gate to Auschwitz II (Birkenau)” © 2011 Jennifer Boyer (CC BY 2.0)
Of course, Poland’s prominent place in Holocaust history does have some influence on those who live in or visit the country. Each year, the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – now a museum – continues to draw many visitors who are interested in paying their respects to Holocaust victims. But, as Tchorek points out in his article, there is much more to Poland than its tragic past:
“Poland’s small but prominent Jewish community is doing everything to promote a fuller picture of the 1,000-year history of Polish Jewish life, including its long periods of autonomy, creativity and success.”
Apartments in the city of Gdansk
Relatively unaffected by the European economic crisis of 2008, Poland has a strong housing market, which makes the nation a good investment opportunity and a favorite place to settle among expatriates. Warsaw, the country’s bustling capital city, happens to be one of the greenest metropolises in the world, for those who are environmentally conscious. After being reduced to rubble during WWII, the city was rebuilt and continues to grow and flourish, along with the rest of the country.
Recently, Poland has been brought more into the spotlight because of its proximity to Ukraine and the turmoil happening there. However, no immediate threats have been reported and tourism is still encouraged.
Do not let Poland’s past deter you from discovering its present; consider this dynamic and exciting country for your next vacation!
